Kumtura Cave 43: Svastika Making a Seat for the Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

This mural is located on the north side of the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the main chamber. According to the Lalitavistara Sutra, while still a Bodhisattva, the Buddha was once offered a seat by Svastika that was made from freshly cut grass. The Bodhisattva noticed that the grass was soft and smooth like silk garments. He then prophesized that Svastika would attain enlightenment in the future.
In this painting, the Bodhisattva’s head is encircled with a nimbus, and his body is surrounded by an aureole which emits rays of light. The Bodhisattva faces Svastika, who kneels on the left. Svastika wears a headdress, a stole, and a dhoti. He raises some offerings in both hands toward the Bodhisattva. A rectangular throne with a backrest on the right side of the painting represents the grass seat that Svastika offered to the future Buddha.